Disney bans workers from texting while driving on the job

The Walt Disney Co. has issued a new policy banning employees from texting while driving on the job.

The ban applies to all of the Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant's worldwide employees — including its roughly 60,000 workers at Walt Disney World.

The policy, which recently took effect, also prohibits employees from making or receiving phone calls while driving on the job unless they use a single ear piece. It applies to workers who are either driving company vehicles or using their own vehicles while on the job.

Disney punishments for workers caught violating the driving policy will be decided on case-by-case basis. The policy does not apply to employees during their drives to or from work.

"Safety is the cornerstone of our company and at the heart of all we do. We continuously look for ways to enhance safety across our company … for cast members and guests," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said Tuesday. "Encouraging safe driving practices is simply the right thing to do."